Cvt

Q. Now that CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) have become available, are they similar to Buick's Dynaflow, and are they more efficient than four- or five-speed automatics? Also, are they a good choice for trailer-pulling because they have no clutches to heat up from "hunting"? C.L. NEWINGTON A. The Dynaflow transmission in my 1954 Buick Super convertible was a fluid-driven automatic transmission, whereas some, if not most, of the current continuously variable transmissions are mechanical.

Toyota Corolla owners are a loyal bunch. They like the way their Corollas pile up the miles, requiring little more than infrequent fuel stops and scheduled maintenance. There's much to be said for a car that's dependable. However, most Corolla owners would never call their cars fun to drive. Toyota is clearly working on that with a complete redesign of the Corolla for 2014. My wife Paula and I reviewed the LE Eco version of the Corolla last year and found it a bit more engaging to drive, but still called it an “enhanced Corolla.” This time, Toyota loaned us a Corolla S Plus.

Sometimes automakers might wish they had a crystal ball to know what would be happening in the three years it takes to bring a new vehicle from the drawing board to the dealership. Dodge has been right on the mark with its 2007 Caliber. Hailed as a Sport Tourer, the Caliber replaces the Neon as the small vehicle in the Dodge lineup at a time when gasoline prices are higher and buyers are thinking leaner is better. At 173.8 inches in length, the compact crossover Caliber is slightly shorter than the 174.4-inch Neon and slightly wider -- 68.8 inches vs. the Neon's 67.4 inches.

When it comes to published reviews, the Jeep Compass, a compact crossover utility vehicle, is the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive world. It simply doesn't get all that much respect. Buyers, on the other hand, have been far more enthusiastic than some members of the motoring press. Compass sales grew last year by nearly 32 percent compared to 8 percent for the overall market. And in the first month of this year, sales were up another 33 percent over 2013's robust totals. Not bad. A week with a 2014 Compass revealed much of what motivates both reviewers and buyers.

Sales of the Jeep Compass have been booming since it arrived last spring with updates for 2014. While new vehicles sales are up just over eight percent this year, Jeep Compass sales are surging 30 percent ahead of last year's total. The 2014 Compass features a number of significant improvements, which might help account for this change in fortune. The most notable is the elimination of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) on every version except for the off-road ready 4x4 Freedom Drive II. A more conventional six-speed automatic transmission is now offered in its place.

Never underestimate the loyalty and devotion of Subaru owners. That's the message that comes through loud and clear in the face of increasingly numerous and vocal requests from the Subaru faithful for a review of the 2014 Forester. On sale now, this newest Forester is almost completely redesigned. The body rides on a slightly longer wheelbase, and overall dimensions are up, by about 1.5 inches in length and half an inch in width. The longer wheelbase and thinner front seat backs deliver more backseat leg and knee room, while all riders in this compact crossover utility vehicle enjoy added shoulder room compared to the last generation Forester.

Usually, when automakers hand out press review cars, they are the top trim line models with all the bells and whistles. Sometimes, a mid-trim level version manages to sneak into the press fleet, but when that happens, rumor has it that someone in the company's public relations department gets reprimanded - or worse. That makes the arrival of this Subaru XV Crosstrek most interesting. On loan from Subaru, it was the base model, devoid of all optional accessories. Go back a generation and the phrase “base model” was chilling.

In a down economy, Subaru sales are up. Thank the Forester. Redesigned for 2009, the crossover utility vehicle has drawn lots of people to the Subaru brand. For 2010, however, the completely redesigned Legacy sedan and Outback crossover could be the stars on the showroom floor. After spending a week spent with a 2010 Outback, loaned to us by Subaru, we realized that this new model should have wide appeal. Compared to the last generation Outback, the 2010 model is taller, wider and rides on a longer wheelbase.

Despite not liking compact cars, a passenger along for a ride in the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza couldn't help but be impressed. “It really doesn't feel like a small car,” he says. “And, it doesn't sound like one. This is pretty good.” Actually, it does sound like a compact car when pressed for maximum acceleration. Highway cruising on most surfaces, however, is a serene experience. The 2012 Impreza receives new styling and, of greater significance, a new engine and transmission.

What would you do if you made sport utility vehicles with a reputation for delivering unparalleled off-road performance, but your customers were becoming more interested in crossover utility vehicles? If you were in charge of Jeep, you would follow a two-tiered strategy. First you would create a new Grand Cherokee that retains its full off-road credentials but drives and rides like a passenger-car-based crossover on the road. The second approach is to build a genuine crossover.

For people who believe that reasonably priced family sedans are more utilitarian than luxurious, the Nissan Altima is a pleasant surprise. This is a car that combines a quiet and comfortable ride and a decidedly upmarket interior with a well-below average starting price. Granted, there are some signs of cost cutting compared to the Infiniti Q60S, another Nissan product, which was reviewed last week. Considering the $20,000 price difference, that should come as no surprise. What is surprising is just how hard you will have to look to find the differences.

Usually, when automakers hand out press review cars, they are the top trim line models with all the bells and whistles. Sometimes, a mid-trim level version manages to sneak into the press fleet, but when that happens, rumor has it that someone in the company's public relations department gets reprimanded - or worse. That makes the arrival of this Subaru XV Crosstrek most interesting. On loan from Subaru, it was the base model, devoid of all optional accessories. Go back a generation and the phrase “base model” was chilling.

Never underestimate the loyalty and devotion of Subaru owners. That's the message that comes through loud and clear in the face of increasingly numerous and vocal requests from the Subaru faithful for a review of the 2014 Forester. On sale now, this newest Forester is almost completely redesigned. The body rides on a slightly longer wheelbase, and overall dimensions are up, by about 1.5 inches in length and half an inch in width. The longer wheelbase and thinner front seat backs deliver more backseat leg and knee room, while all riders in this compact crossover utility vehicle enjoy added shoulder room compared to the last generation Forester.

Despite not liking compact cars, a passenger along for a ride in the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza couldn't help but be impressed. “It really doesn't feel like a small car,” he says. “And, it doesn't sound like one. This is pretty good.” Actually, it does sound like a compact car when pressed for maximum acceleration. Highway cruising on most surfaces, however, is a serene experience. The 2012 Impreza receives new styling and, of greater significance, a new engine and transmission.

What would you do if you made sport utility vehicles with a reputation for delivering unparalleled off-road performance, but your customers were becoming more interested in crossover utility vehicles? If you were in charge of Jeep, you would follow a two-tiered strategy. First you would create a new Grand Cherokee that retains its full off-road credentials but drives and rides like a passenger-car-based crossover on the road. The second approach is to build a genuine crossover.

You don't have to go far into the annals of Honda to find two models that influenced the design of the CR-Z. This subcompact, which is making its debut for 2011, blends aspects of the discontinued Honda CRX, which dates to the mid-1980s, with the original Honda Insight hybrid that was offered for the 2000 to 2006 model years. Each of these cars is a two-seat, fastback, three-door hatchback. Each is also a performance car. The CRX offered quick acceleration and crisp handling while the Insight placed the emphasis on fuel economy.

You don't have to go far into the annals of Honda to find two models that influenced the design of the CR-Z. This subcompact, which is making its debut for 2011, blends aspects of the discontinued Honda CRX, which dates to the mid-1980s, with the original Honda Insight hybrid that was offered for the 2000 to 2006 model years. Each of these cars is a two-seat, fastback, three-door hatchback. Each is also a performance car. The CRX offered quick acceleration and crisp handling while the Insight placed the emphasis on fuel economy.

In a down economy, Subaru sales are up. Thank the Forester. Redesigned for 2009, the crossover utility vehicle has drawn lots of people to the Subaru brand. For 2010, however, the completely redesigned Legacy sedan and Outback crossover could be the stars on the showroom floor. After spending a week spent with a 2010 Outback, loaned to us by Subaru, we realized that this new model should have wide appeal. Compared to the last generation Outback, the 2010 model is taller, wider and rides on a longer wheelbase.